On Wednesday, Irish-born designer, Jonathan Anderson, who has become a shining star of London Fashion Week, was given a major injection of funding to his five-year-old J.W. Anderson brand by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The luxury conglomerate has taken a 49% stake in the brand, which is known for its often transgendered take on clothing. Anderson is currently based in Dalston, the hip but rough area of northeast London, where he works in a studio with just 14 people. At the same time, he has been made creative director of Loewe, the Spanish leather brand that is part of the LVMH luxury stable. Behind the deal are recently-promoted Delphine Arnault, the daughter of the LVMH chairman and chief executive, Bernard Arnault, and Pierre-Yves Roussel, the chairman and CEO of the LVMH Fashion Group.

As for how the partnership came about, Anderson says: “After the autumn/winter show, I sat down with Delphine and Pierre-Yves — and for me they are just a natural partner. They excite me and they understand me — and I understand them,” the designer said. “And when you do this, you want people who believe in you.”

As for his new appointment at Loewe, his first collection may be shown as soon as next season or in a year’s time. This joins a string of recent investments/appointments by LVMH and its rival Kering. Just two weeks ago, LVMH bought into British footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood's business. In January 2013, Kering, headed by François-Henri Pinault, bought a controlling stake in the brand of the designer Christopher Kane, another powerful young British talent.